Hi! Hello! It’s so nice you’re here, thank you.
My name is Julia Comita.
I hail from the bay area, California. My dear friends call me Jewlz, you can call me that too if you like.
I moved to the Big Apple in 2011 to fulfill back to back internships for Vogue and Steven Klein Studio. I further cut my teeth with a digital capture and post house run by the fantastically hard working Drew Doggett and Scott Fenn. Thereafter for many years I worked as a freelance digital tech and retoucher for some of the industry’s finest photographers. Many challenges presented themselves and I learned to think fast, be flexible, work with others, and always (always!) have a good attitude.
After countless days of getting up at dawn, getting on planes, lugging gear, and making sure that image isn’t even one point too magenta for whichever photographer I was lucky enough to be with that day, I decided it was time to take the leap and go out on my own as a photographer. While many assistants opt not to shoot during their time assisting, that was never me. Ever since art school, I’ve had a camera in my hand and inspired, creative co-conspirators at my side, and I couldn’t imagine it any other way to be honest. Sleep be damned! This made taking that leap just a little bit easier. Oh, and so did my faithful studio manager and work-wife of many years, Numidas Prasarn, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thanks, Numi.
I’ve always found photography to be a curious thing and I absolutely LOVE to experiment. Back in art school, I exclusively did black and white until I felt ready to do color. And then I DID COLOR, full on, still do. Through my experimentation, I’ve learned a thing or two about production, shooting in unexpected places, studio lighting, still life, animations, hair/makeup/styling, collaboration, directing video, casting, and more. I’ve also learned that the experience is as important as the result. In fact, the experience can totally shape the result, which is why I pride myself on working with collaborators who are not only talented, but also considerate and kind human beings. I have no room for assholes on my set.
The other thing I’ve learned a lot about (and am still learning about) is representation and inclusion, and the important of having diversity both in front of and behind the lens. This is not a fad for me, or a set of buzzwords. It’s a mindset and a practice that I’m constantly working on growing. If this means a lot to you too, I’m sure we will be fast friends. I could honestly talk for hours on this topic, but I will save it for future blog posts.
With all that said, I’m sure you’re a highly creative, considerate, and kind human being, and I’d love to meet you IRL now that Covid is (sort of) winding down. If you’re more of a zoom person (or you’re just very busy!), I’m also happy to hop on a video chat to meet and see how we could partner in the coming days/months/years. You can reach me directly here.
Let’s get inspired and make something BOLD!
xo, Julia
PS. Some not entirely useless but definitely fun facts about me:
I have two cats who I am OBSESSED with. Their names are Station and Sam. Actually that’s Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. to be precise.
I’m a die-hard identifying Scorpio who’s embraced her Leo moon but still struggles with her Gemini rising. Sorry (not sorry!) for those of you that this piece of information is annoying to. I’m also a self-identifying Witch and gladly welcome anyone who wants to make a tincture or howl at the moon with me
Photo by Daren Race
I got down on one knee for my best friend and life partner Javier last year, and this summer (2022) we’re tying the knot in Montana
Photo by Rene Cervantes